Kelly
Scottish disabled children and young people are set to benefit from an automatic £255.80 Winter Heating Payment before the end of this year.
This one-off payout is intended to help households manage increased energy costs and is available to those receiving specific disability benefits. Here’s a detailed breakdown of who qualifies, how it works, and when the money arrives.
What Is the Winter Heating Payment?
- A single one-off payment of £255.80 per eligible child or young person.
- Designed to offset higher winter energy bills.
- Automatically issued through Social Security Scotland.
- Paid into the same account used for the qualifying benefit.
Who Qualifies?
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | Under 19 years old during qualifying week (third week of September). |
| Residency | Living in Scotland—or eligible EEA/Swiss country with strong Scottish links. |
| Qualifying Benefits | • Child Disability Payment (highest care rate) • DLA for children (highest care rate) • PIP (enhanced daily living) – existing claimants only • Adult Disability Payment (enhanced daily living) |
| Claim Status | Must have been receiving one qualifying benefit during qualifying week. |
| Backdated Awards | If benefit award falls in qualifying week, payout still eligible. |
- Each eligible child or young adult receives their own payment—not per household.
- No need to submit receipts or evidence of expenses.
- If still transitioning from PIP to ADP, existing PIP claimants may receive payment.
How It Works
- Determining Eligibility: Checked against Social Security Scotland records for the qualifying week.
- No Application Required: Most payments are automatic.
- Multiple Children: If more than one qualifies, each receives £255.80.
- Same Paid-In Account: Funds arrive in the existing benefit bank account.
- Exceptional Cases: Some may need to contact Social Security Scotland if records are incomplete.
Payment Timeline
- Clients will receive payment in batches starting late October.
- Funds continue to be issued through to February 2026.
- If delayed or missed, contact Social Security Scotland via web chat or helpline: 0800 182 2222.
Why This Payment Matters
- Helps families absorb cold winter months with rising energy costs.
- Removes the need for additional applications or red tape.
- Supports equality and dignity for disabled children and young people.
The £255.80 Winter Heating Payment is a meaningful boost for Scottish families with disabled children under 19. It’s automatic, inclusive, and timely—recognizing the real cost-of-living strain during cold months.
Check your eligibility, verify your account details, and watch for the funds from October onward. Even if you don’t need to apply, keeping information updated helps avoid delays.
FAQs
Who is eligible for the £255 payment?
Children under 19 on Child Disability Payment, DLA, PIP (existing), or Adult Disability Payment during the third week of September.
Do I need to apply to get the money?
No—payments are automatic, delivered to the same bank account used for the disability benefit.
When will the money arrive?
Payments are issued in batches from late October through February 2026. Contact Social Security Scotland if it hasn’t arrived by then.